a week ago came to the senator's defense. >> senator hagel is an honorable man. he has served his country and no one on this committee at any time should impugn his character or his integrity. >> that's what cruz was doing. and john boehner couldn't stick to the script today for the softer, gentler, kinder gop. he told reporters at a breakfast briefing that obama doesn't have -- this is the new phrase. he doesn't have the guts to cut spending. today more republican intransigents are holding up again by demanding the speaker -- actually harry reid from nevada come up with 60 votes to move forward the vote. and senator rand paul put a hold on president obama's pick. joining me now is salon's joan walsh and washington post's dana milbank. they can't beat these people so they're doing this obstructing. they're trying to smear this guy. they know he's going to be secretary of defense. there is absolutely no purpose in what cruz is doing except trying to move he's more obnoxious than neocons are. they're just messing around with the government of the united states, i t